Quarterly sales of electric vehicles fell to their lowest levels in two years in the March quarter amid a decline in overall vehicle sales and a sharp increase in sales of conventional hybrids and plug-in hybrids, according to the Australian Automobile Association (AAA).
New figures show plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) sales continue to rise rapidly in Australia just as a major discount for the car type nears its end.Data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries reveals that 4,871 PHEVs were sold in February 2025 – a monthly record for the Australian market.This represents a 346.1% increase compared to February 2024, contributing to a 222.2% overall rise in PHEV sales for 2025.It comes as the FBT exemption for PHEVs is due to end on April 1, 2025.National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association (NALSPA) chief executive Rohan Martin says the large uptake in PHEVs demonstrates their widespread appeal and highlights their crucial role as a stepping stone toward fully electric vehicles.“The uptake of plug-in hybrid vehicles is currently exponential,” Martin says."This reveals two key insights: firstly, Australians who prefer SUVs and larger vehicles are eagerly embracing lower-emission alternatives, which are predominantly available today as PHEVs.
A new national poll shows that plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) are a stepping stone to driving pure electric and that the Federal Government’s Fringe Benefits Tax (EV FBT) exemption is a key reason many Australians choose PHEVs.The new research also indicates that drivers first use their vehicles as electric.
MG Motor Australia has launched its all-new mid-size HS SUV for the Australian market. The ICE version will be followed by a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
Lexus Australia has significantly reducing customer wait times across its volume-selling models and delivered more cars in a than at any other time in its 33 years in Australia.The brand delivered 15,192 vehicles to customers, eclipsing its previous best total of 9612 deliveries set in 2019.Electrified models drove the result with a total of 9,170; with 60.4% of deliveries being hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) or fully electric (BEV) - the first time intelligent electrified powertrains accounted for the majority of deliveries.
BMW Group Australia recorded a significant increase of 81% in the registration of electrified models through the first quarter of 2023.
Westpac has announced that it plans to offer lower interest rates to those looking to purchase an electric, plug-in hybrid, or hybrid vehicle in an effort to increase the uptake of electrified vehicles in Australia.
Hopes from those in the industry that prices of electric vehicles might continue to fall gradually might have to be put on hold, following significant price rises for lithium.
Late last year, Kia whipped the covers off its next-generation Niro, available as a BEV, PHEV, and HEV. Borrowing plenty of styling cues from the Kia HabaNiro Concept, the reveal was well received.
The Mitsubishi Triton charged ahead of its New Zealand rivals with 2266 registrations in March 2022 relegating the regular best-selling Ford Ranger to second place with 1934 registrations and the Toyota Hilux in third place with 1580 registrations.
